Absent Rep. Jackson surfaces, asks supporters for patience

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who has been undergoing treatment for bipolar depression, told supporters this weekend in an automated phone call that he is “healing,” but is not yet ready to return to work and asked for patience from his suburban Chicago constituents.

The Chicago Sun Times reported Saturday that the Illinois Democrat is returning to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for treatment.

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Mr. Jackson, the son of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, took a leave of absence from Congress in June, originally citing stress and exhaustion before his staff and family acknowledged the congressman was seeking help for more serious issues.

Critics of the congressman, including Chicago Republicans, have called for Mr. Jackson to drop his re-election bid, but the new message indicates Mr. Jackson intends to hang on to his job.

“I’m anxious to return to work on your behalf. But at this time, it’s against medical advice. And while I will always give my all to my constituents, I will ask you to continue with your patience as I ask to get my health back,” Mr. Jackson said.

Despite not actively campaigning for re-election, he is expected to easily retain his seat on Nov. 6.

In the robocall, first reported Saturday by Chicago’s WBEZ, Rep. Jackson says: “Like many human beings, a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they’ve been difficult to sort through. I am human. I’m doing my best. And I’m trying to sort through them all.”

The congressman, 47, is also facing a House investigation into allegations of financial impropriety.

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About the Author

David Eldridge joined The Washington Times in 1999 and over the next seven years helped lead the paper’s coverage of regional politics and government, Sept. 11, and the sniper attacks of 2002. In 2006, he was named managing editor of the paper’s website before moving on to editing and reporting stints at Roll Call, the Hill and InsideSources. He returned ...